ABQ Times

The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners has approved a revised policy concerning the use of glyphosate, aiming to refine current restrictions while pursuing a sustainable approach to weed management. The resolution underscores the county's ongoing efforts to minimize reliance on herbicides, permitting temporary and controlled applications in specific areas where invasive plant species present significant challenges.

Under the new guidelines, the existing moratorium on glyphosate use will continue in county-maintained landscapes that have successfully adopted alternative weed control methods. However, exceptions will be allowed for limited use in high-traffic hardscapes and other locations where weeds are difficult to manage.

The Bernalillo County Parks, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) department is tasked with transitioning high-maintenance landscapes towards more sustainable and native plantings. PROS will also work on refining best practices for effective weed management.

To support these efforts, the county plans to finalize an Integrated Vegetation Management & Maintenance Plan (IVMMP) within the next year. This plan will integrate scientific research, peer-reviewed practices, and expert recommendations to guide future decisions regarding weed management.

PROS is scheduled to provide a mid-year update on the progress of the IVMMP and return with a completed plan in 12 months. This update will include a phased strategy for landscape conversion along with budget recommendations for long-term implementation.

The resolution was passed by a vote of 4 to 1.